Real Madrid News
Why were Real Madrid and Elche allowed to make six substitutions?
Real Madrid secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Elche at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the match also included an unusual moment that left many fans confused during the game.
Normally, teams are allowed to make a maximum of five substitutions during a match.
However, both Real Madrid and Elche ended up making six changes during the contest.
At first glance, the situation seemed strange, but the explanation lies in a specific rule related to player safety.
Why did they make six changes?
The extra substitution became possible because the referee applied the concussion protocol after a collision between Eduardo Camavinga and Aboubacar Sangare Traore.
The two players were involved in a head-to-head clash early in the match, forcing medical staff to intervene immediately.
Sangare required treatment on the sideline following the incident and was eventually substituted as a precaution.
Because the substitution was related to a potential concussion, the rules allow the affected team to make an additional change beyond the usual limit of five.
As a result, Elche were able to introduce a replacement earlier in the match without losing one of their regular substitutions.
In the official match report, referee Jesus Gil Manzano clarified exactly why the extra change was allowed. The official explained the situation involving the Elche player and the reason behind the additional substitution.
“Elche CF: Made an additional substitution due to a concussion in the 23rd minute, replacing player number 42, Aboubacar Sangare Traore, with player number 3, Adrián Pedrosa Giner,” he explained as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Once Elche used the concussion substitution, the rules also allowed Real Madrid to make an extra change in order to maintain competitive balance between the two teams.
The referee also addressed this in the match report, clarifying how Real Madrid used their sixth substitution later in the game.
“Real Madrid CF: Made an additional substitution in the 61st minute, replacing player number 27, Diego Aguado Facio, with player number 3, Antonio Rudiger, due to the concussion substitution used by the opposing team.”
Although the rule is not frequently seen in matches, it exists to prioritise player safety when head injuries occur.
Even though Real Madrid have strengthened their defensive line significantly over the past two summers, they are still looking for more reinforcements.
Jose Mourinho was already pushing for another centre-back signing this past summer despite signing Ibrahima Konate. But Raul Asencio’s refusal to leave meant that there was no other addition made.
However, heading into 2027, Los Blancos intend to sign another centre-back, given that Antonio Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed.
Moreover, Eder Militao’s continued fitness issues are also a cause of concern, prompting the Merengues to explore the possibility of bringing in another centre-half.
And, as already reported, Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as an option for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid regularly scouting Quansah
Building on that, journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reports that Real Madrid have been regularly scouting Quansah this season.
It goes to further underline that the Spanish capital side seem to hold a genuine interest in the 23-year-old England international, who can play both at centre-back and right-back.
Quansah has become a permanent fixture in the defensive line at Leverkusen since his move to the Bundesliga from Liverpool in 2025.
The young defender was also a part of the England national team that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has nine caps for the Three Lions.
Stiff competition for Quansah
However, as per the report, Real Madrid are not the only club showing an interest in Quansah.
Indeed, Premier League champions Arsenal and fellow London club Chelsea are also closely monitoring the 23-year-old England international at Leverkusen.
Moreover, Quansah’s boyhood club, Liverpool, are also keeping a close eye on his development. After all, the Reds have a buyback clause worth €70 million for their academy product, which is valid until 15 June 2027.
A promising, young defender with plenty of potential and room for development, Quansah can be an exciting long-term addition for Real Madrid.
However, as per reports, some within the club hierarchy believe that the team could do with more experienced options to bolster the backline. So, it remains to be seen how things progress and whether the interest in Quansah develops into an offer.
